Terrence Mawawa, Zaka| Following the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week, traditional leaders have shifted their stance against perceived members of opposition parties.

Traditional leaders here concurred that proof of residence letters would be issued to villagers regardless of political background.

The Traditional leaders in collaboration with Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) have called on local villagers to brace themselves for the mobile voter registration exercise. Zaka District falls under the fourth phase of the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) blitz which runs from December 4-19.

Speaking at a voter education and mobilization campaign programme facilitated by COTRAD and ZEC last week, traditional leaders stated that all villagers were eligible to obtain proof of residence documents to enable them to register to vote in next year’s crucial polls.

COTRAD also encouraged villagers to embrace the mobile voter registration process to acquire national identity cards and birth certificates.
The programme commenced on November 21 in Zaka.

“As community voter mobilizers we appeal to all citizens to obtain the relevant identity documents,” said Flora Nyamunda of Zaka Central.

Local villagers have expressed gratitude at the fact that proof residence letters are being issued objectively and transparently.

Elections in Zimbabwe have been marred by voter illiteracy, violence and intimidation of perceived opposition supporters.

COTRAD Community mobilizers have appealed to ZEC to provide comprehensive voter education programmes. Such programmes will target women, youth, people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

Section 40B of the Electoral Act stipulates that ZEC should embark on voter education programmes in an accurate manner.